Save for the occasional "8" on players' scorecards, operators of Greenwich's lone public golf course could do without any more snowman sightings.

The Griffith E. Harris Golf Course is scheduled to open much earlier than expected: March 28, weather permitting.

"This could be the earliest in five or six years," said David D'Andrea, who is entering his 10th year as the course's operations manager. "Miraculous. I just can't believe it. I thought we were looking at April 15."

The Griff's emergence from hibernation follows one of the toughest winters on record, one that dropped nearly 80 inches of snow in Greenwich and doesn't technically end until Sunday.

"The course is not too bad," D'Andrea said. "Just like everyone else, there's a tremendous amount of snow mold on the turf."

A common fungus that causes damage and discoloration to grass, snow mold typically leaves pink or white patches of turf.

"It's basically got to be treated by a fungicide," D'Andrea said.

Another option is to "comb it out." This is no barbershop, however.

"You want to kind of let this grow out," D'Andrea said.

The use of dryers or squeegees, like those enlisted by major tournaments to remove moisture from the ground, is not an option at the Robert Trent Jones-designed course.

"We rely on old Mother Nature to give us that sun and wind," said Joseph Siciliano, the town's parks director.

To play at the Griff, which is located at 1300 King St., golfers must obtain a membership at the course or accompany a member as a guest. Only residents can become members. Membership fees for the current season range from $90 for seniors 65 and older to $145 for other adults.

Greens fees range from $16 for juniors ages 10 to 17 on weekdays to $28 for adults on weekends.

A new golf center housing the pro shop, ticket window, administrative offices and handicap-accessible restrooms opened last spring at the Griff.

Golfers can start reserving tee times late next week for when the course reopens. The ticket office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. this weekend for membership renewals. The restaurant at the Griff, aptly named The Fairways, isn't scheduled to open until March 28.

"There's a possibility that the driving range will be open mid-week next week," D'Andrea said.

Two sections of netting from the driving range that came down during the winter need to be remounted with a bucket truck. D'Andrea said groundskeepers are also focusing on clearing surface drains along cart paths and removing fallen debris such as tree limbs.

"It's going to be a slow process," D'Andrea said. "You're not going to see a green, beautiful golf course on the 28th, but maybe a few weeks after that you will."

Staff writer Neil Vigdor can be reached at neil.vigdor@scni.com or at 203-625-4436.